Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Pendant - Re: Physically Handicaped !!! HELP !!!!

John Delaney wrote:

>Daniel, I don't have the whole answer, but maybe someone will respond
>to what I have to say.
>
>I believe I have seen people make "pendants" by using the keyboard
>controller chipsets and putting circuits and devices upstream of the
>chip set. Essentially the strategy is to replace the keys with
>joysticks or hand wheels or whatever. The keys generate really slow
>pulses normally. Key press equals a pulse. Any one of a number of
>devices could be constructed to emulate that as the result of a
>turning handle.
>
>I would post on the DIY-CNC list too.
>
>I can sorta relate. I have a nerve that shorts out from time. Not fun.
>
>Hope that helps. Good luck. Very, very worthwhile project.
>
>-jd
>
>

You could try one or three of these:
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powermate/

I believe you can set the driver to output a keypress when the knob is
turned (in either direction).
There are some restrictions as to what can be assigned, but essentially
you get 5 macros: button press, rotate left, rotate right, rotate left
with button depresed, rotate right with button depressed.
Since most CNC control programs allow keyboard jogging, I think this
would work pretty well.

I've never used them, but I may pick one up soon.

- Steve